Everyone enjoys a good game to make a road trip more fun, and the same is true in Iceland. However, we Icelanders have our own unique way of playing games while exploring the country on a car ride.
While the breathtaking landscapes of the Iceland Golden Circle or the rugged terrain of the Westfjords of Iceland will likely give you plenty to look at, car games make the driving experience more enjoyable. They are a way to connect and bond with each other more, while also keeping you engaged with all there is to see around the country.
We’ve compiled a list of the 14 best games to play in the car to make your Icelandic road trip even more memorable. We’ll cover some of the favorite car games loved by Icelanders and a few other fun options to keep the group excited and engaged. We’ll also provide some tips for renting a car in Iceland and staying safe on the road. Remember, these are for the passengers in the car, not the driver.
Icelandic People’s Favorite 7 Games to Play in the Car
If you want to really embrace Icelandic culture, you need to play some Icelandic car games! While not necessarily invented in Iceland, these are some of Icelandic people’s favorite car games to play on a road trip.
Game 1: The Lady in Hamburg
This classic road trip game, known as The Lady in Hamburg (Frúin í Hamborg), is commonly played by Icelanders of all ages. The rules are simple, but they can be challenging to stick to. One person, the “answerer,” responds to others in the car, while the others try to get them to say “yes,” “no,” “black,” or “white.” If the answerer says any of these forbidden words, they lose the round.
The first question asked in the game is typically, “What did you do with the money the lady in Hamburg gave you?” Local players have developed different techniques to trip up the answerer, leading to intense and often hilarious rounds. Imagine driving past the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier while playing this game, trying to avoid saying “white” as you describe the snow-capped peaks.
Game 2: The Fun Car Game
While likely played in some form around the world, In Iceland, The “Car” Game is a popular game to play in the car. In this game, each passenger picks a color and earns a point every time a car of that color passes by. You can also play with different car types or models. The person with the most points at the end of the journey wins. This game is especially fun when driving through more populated areas like Reykjavik or along Route 1 in Iceland, where you can spot a variety of cars.
Game 3: The License Plate Game
The License Plate Game involves spotting and interpreting the numbers and letters on license plates as you explore during your Iceland itinerary. You can create stories based on the letters, add up the numbers as fast as you can, or choose a letter and identify license plates that include that letter. For example, a plate reading “LG 123” could prompt a story about Icelandic landscapes or locations that include LG, such as the Blue Lagoon, or Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Game 4: How Far is the Nearest Gas Station?
Guessing how far it is to the next gas station can be a fun and practical game, especially on the more remote stretches of the ring road in Iceland. Different from more densely populated countries, Iceland’s gas stations are very sporadic, making it more challenging to predict how far it might be to the next one. Each passenger makes a guess, and the closest estimate wins. The winner gets to pick a treat from the gas station shop. This game can be a great way to break up the journey, especially when driving through areas like the Eastfjords, where there are fewer amenities.
Game 5: Who is the Man?/Who Am I?
In this classic guessing game, one person in the group thinks of a character, real or fictional, and the others ask “yes” or “no” questions to figure out who it is. If the answer is “yes,” the same person can ask another question. If the answer is “no,” the next person takes their turn. Questions could include, “Are you alive?”, “Are you an actor,” “Are you older than 30 years old,” etc. The goal is to try to identify the character with as few questions as possible.
Game 6: Yellow Car
“Yellow Car” is a fast-paced game that tests your reaction time. Every time you see a yellow car, you tap the person next to you on the shoulder and shout, “Yellow car!” This game can be played simultaneously with other games, making it even more important to keep your eyes peeled out the window. Spotting a yellow car might be rare, especially in the Icelandic countryside, making each sighting a surprise!
Game 7: The Story Game
The “Story Game” is an improvisational game where one person starts with a word, and each of the following people adds a word to build an entire story. This game can lead to unexpected places, often full of inside jokes and personal twists to prompt the story to go in a specific direction. But it never ends up where you think! Players are encouraged to be creative and use uncommon words to make the story more interesting. The game can continue for as long as the players want it to, or until the story naturally ends. Try including some Icelandic characters or Iceland attractions that you’ve visited on your trip to make it memorable.
Other Fun road trip games
Here are some other fun games to play in the car while on a road trip in Iceland:
Game 1: Road Trip Bingo
Road Trip Bingo is a fun game that encourages everyone to be alert and on the lookout for the amazing sights around Iceland. Before you head out on the road, create bingo cards with common sights you’ll encounter on your Icelandic road trip, such as waterfalls, volcanoes, sheep, and hot springs. Players mark off the items that they see, and the first person to complete a row, column, or diagonal on their card shouts, “Bingo!” and wins the game.
Game 2: Truth or Dare
The popular game of “Truth or Dare” can be adapted for car trips in Iceland and is especially fun for older kids and adults. The concept of the game is that one passenger asks the question, “truth or dare?” If truth is chosen, they are asked a question that they have to answer honestly. If a dare is chosen, they complete a challenge. After completing the task, you move on to the next player. Some examples of questions you could ask could be, “What’s your most embarrassing moment?” or “What’s your favorite childhood memory?” Dares can be fun and silly, such as singing a song out loud, waving at the next car to see if they wave back, or taking a goofy selfie with everyone in the car. Make the game safe and car-friendly, of course.
Game 3: I Spy
“I Spy” is a simple game where one person spots something and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [color/shape].” The others in the car then take turns guessing what it is. This game is particularly enjoyable when driving through Iceland, as there’s an abundance of natural features, wildlife, and man-made landmarks to see. “I Spy” keeps passengers engaged with their surroundings to ensure nothing is missed!
Game 4: The Band Game
In “The Band Game,” one person names a band, and the next person has to name another band, starting with the last letter of the previous band’s name. For example, if someone says “Sigur Rós,” the next person could say “Simon & Garfunkel”. This game is perfect for music lovers, and the next thing you know your group will be singing along to forgotten favorites.
Game 5: 20 Questions
20 Questions is a great road trip game, where one person thinks of an object, person, or place, and other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions until they figure out what it is. Players have 20 questions to guess what it is, and if no one guesses correctly, the player reveals the answer. This game can be a great way to pass the time while driving through the scenic stretches of Iceland’s Ring Road.
Game 6: Would You Rather?
In the game “Would You Rather?,” everyone takes turns asking each other hypothetical questions, such as “Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?” Ask more Iceland-specific questions to make it more relevant to your trip, such as “Would you rather visit the Blue Lagoon or hike to the top of an Iceland glacier?” This game can lead to interesting discussions, help you learn more about your travel companions, and maybe prompt an impromptu detour to an unplanned destination.
Game 7: Name That Tune
To play Name That Tune, one person plays the intro of a song, and you see who can name the song and artist first. You can add a points system if you want and make the game extra fun with a playlist of Icelandic music, featuring artists like Of Monsters and Men, Björk, and Ásgeir.
Planning to Visit Iceland and Rent a Car? Here Are Some Local Tips for You
A rental car is essential to explore Iceland effectively since there are very limited transit options in the country. Road trips are the best way to experience everything the country has to offer, but there are a few things to keep in mind when renting a car in Iceland.
Renting a car in advance is crucial, especially during peak tourist seasons in the summer in Iceland, which is between June and August. This ensures you get the best rates and availability. Iceland has a variety of rental options, from compact cars for city driving to 4x4s for exploring the Iceland highlands. It’s important to choose a reliable car rental company. Companies like Hertz Iceland offer a wide range of vehicles along with locations all around the country, along with comprehensive insurance options to ensure you’re protected while on your road trip.
Next, you need to consider when you want to visit Iceland, which depends on what you want to see and do. The summer months (June to August) offer long daylight hours and milder weather, perfect for exploring the entire country. Winter (November to February) is ideal for seeing the Northern Lights and experiencing Iceland’s unique winter activities. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer fewer crowds and beautiful changing landscapes.
To determine what rental car you should choose, have a look at our car rental tips resources, which include guides for 4X4 camper rentals, electric cars, and what to drive in the Iceland Highlands. Be sure to check the road conditions and rental agreements, as some roads, like Iceland F-roads, require 4x4s.
Safety Reminders on the Road
- The driver should always focus on driving and not participate in the games.
- Stick to speed limits and road signs.
- Be prepared for changing Iceland weather conditions, especially in remote areas.
- Keep an eye on fuel levels and fill up at gas stations whenever possible, as they can be sparse in certain areas.
- Know your route ahead of time, since some roads are closed in the winter.
- Watch out for animals, as sheep and other animals often wander onto the roads.
- Stay on marked roads, as off-road driving is illegal in Iceland.
Try These Games to Play in the Car in Iceland
Try some of these games to play in the car in Iceland. They will add extra fun to your Iceland road trip, making the journey almost as fun as the destination. Remember to book your car rental in advance, choose a reliable company like Hertz Iceland, and stay safe on the road. Enjoy your adventure in Iceland, and make the most of every moment with these engaging car games.
